Beginners Guide To Long Distance Relationships

Romantic or plutonic, sibling or spouse, we have all had a long distance relationship. Our friends go to uni, our brothers or sisters move away to their questionable partner’s abode or perhaps your parents have parted ways. Bumps in the road are a part of life but it doesn’t always make them easier, and it certainly doesn’t make them more enjoyable. Nonetheless, here is a list of the pros and cons of long distance relationships.

Pros:

You appreciate the time you do spend together

Whether it be a little or a lot, time together is a pretty awesome thing when you miss that particular human for so long. Distance can really make the heart grow fonder.

You get to travel to different places

Meet their friends, have them meet your friends, see their favourite places in their new place, show them your go-to adventure spots in your new surroundings – embrace the situation you have been given and embrace it.

You get the opportunity to make new friends with those who are close to your partner

Although briefly touched upon, you are given a chance to get closer to those who happen to spend more time with your partner at present – it can be very useful for you to utilise second opinions and form bonds with people who you will almost certainly get on with.

You have the whole bed to yourself

Sometimes we all need a good old starfish with a bag of caramel nibbles after the sheets have been changed. Whether you have established your sleeping pattern together or not, sleeping alone is very different from sleeping next to someone you love.

The toilet seat stays down – no more sharing bathrooms

Don’t fight me on this one, you know it’s true.

You only have to cook for one

Sometimes you cook just enough pasta for both you, and sometimes you cook enough for a small army or housing estate. Learn how to cook for just you.

Cons:

The time you do spend together can be short

Sometimes, every time you watch the person you love walk out of the door, that can be too far away. You always need an extra hour, an extra kiss or a second look. You love them, after all.

Travel can be expensive

Trains, railcards, busses, coaches, petrol – it all adds up. There is nothing more frustrating than having to turn down opportunities due to money issues or the need to budget, especially when it involves a reunion with a loved one.

You could become jealous of the time your partner gets to spend with others

You’re only human, and it is natural. You just need to remember that your partner cannot realistically be with you 24/7 and in fact, if they were, it would rather unhealthy. You are allowed, and very much entitled, to lead separate lives from each other, but still love one another.

You have the whole bed to yourself

Although also listed as a pro, it’s nice to have someone reach for you in their sleep or mumble for you when you get up for the bathroom. It’s nice to be longed for, even in sleep.

You never have anyone to tidy up after

His stray socks may annoy you, her washing up may drive you crazy – but it’s odd to observe the absence of things you grow so accustomed to experiencing – a lack of presence can be as noticeable as moving a piece of furniture that you keep stubbing your toe on.

You have no one to cook for

You argued about getting the takeaway, you argued about not getting the takeaway, but you happily cooked for them anyway and gave them the bigger half as you always do, just because you know they like it.

Be patient with your partner, be open to changes, go with your heart. Change is hard, but you are stronger.